This section is intended as a resource for people just beginning to learn about wines and how and where different wines are produced.  Rather than re-write a treatise on this well-covered subject, we will be compiling links and reference materials that are accessible on the web from the recognized experts in the industry.  It will also serve as a resource list of reference materials useful even for the experienced wine aficionado.

 

There is no replacement for taking a beginning wine class from someone with long-term experience and who is also in touch with the day-to-day realities of the wine industry.  Wine tastings, wine dinners, and other events like our local “Wine Over Water” festival provide access to winemakers and other excellent resource persons that are very energetic in sharing their appreciation and vast knowledge of wine. Check our “Wine Events Calendar” for information on these and other opportunities to expand your knowledge.

One of the first issues that arise when exploring wines and winemaking is vocabulary.  As the flavors and aromas of wine are at the very heart of the matter, considerable time and energy has been spent on a common language to describe the varieties these encountered when tasting and attempting  to describe wine.

 

Ann C. Noble of the University Of California-Davis has come up with a tool that is widely used to supply students of wine with a vocabulary to describe wine tastes and aromas,… the UC-Davis “Aroma Wheel”.  If you’ve never seen this fascinating collection of terms, or you just want a printable copy of it, CLICK here for an 8.5X11 GIF file of the wheel.

 

Beringer Vineyards has their own version of the “wheel” concept…  Separate colorful wheels for Red and White wines which include descriptive language for both aroma and taste.  Click here to download a zip file with both wheels (front & back).  Or, just click on one of the images below for a larger version of each.